Dispersion characteristics, microstructural evolution and sintering behaviour of Al2O3-Ti6Al4V composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Experimental investigations were undertaken to understand the dispersion characteristics and sintering behaviour of alumina reinforced Ti6Al4V composites. Alumina of varying volume percent (5, 10 and 15) was dispersed in Ti6Al4V via low energy ball mill (PM 100) using alumina balls of 5 mm in an alumina vial for 6 hours, at 150 rpm with a ball to powder ratio of 10:1. The admixed powders were sintered at 1000 and 1100 C-0, 100 C-0/min, 50 MPa and held for 10 minutes using spark plasma sintering. The effect of the addition of alumina to Ti6Al4V were evaluated by analyzing the dispersion characteristics, sintering behaviour and the relative displacement of the punches during sintering. The results indicated that the alumina particles were homogeneous dispersed and adhered to the Ti6Al4V particles after low energy ball milling. Additionally, the incorporation of alumina into the Ti6Al4V promotes the sinterability and the rapid displacement of the punches during the sintering process. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.